10 Best Mobile Phone Chargers for Travel in 2017

The phone is an essential piece of equipment in traveling in the modern world. It has many uses. You can use it to translate foreign words, find directions, take pictures and videos, check out good places to eat, see ratings on the hottest clubs, and many other things. But because it is tasked with so many demands, battery drainage results after a few hours of use and you are left with a dead phone for the rest of the day. In come mobile phone chargers. Mobile chargers have become a necessity for anyone who uses their phones heavily, especially travelers.

Here at Vacation Advice 101, we have done our research and rounded up the top 10 mobile chargers especially designed for travelers. Below are the best mobile phone chargers we’ve found. Take a gander and see which one is ideal for you.

1) Bestoss 10000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank

The Bestoss Portable Charger Power Bank includes a built-in and micro cable for both Android and Apple devices. It has universal fits for iPhone 6 5S/5/4S/4, iPad, iPod, Samsung devices, HTC phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, game consoles and MP3/MP4 players, etc.

How do you make sure there’s no snag in this product, and that it really lives up to promise? Here’s a little trick:

Use a larger power bank that has a known capacity and a digital readout. Keep in mind that the batteries used in power banks have a certain efficiency factor. And that is they cannot fully use 100% of their capacity. They typically stop discharging when 20% of capacity is left. This is not really a defect; it is just how they work.

This is how you test the validity of its claims:

Charge up this product fully. (Fully-charged means all of its lights are lit up)

Connect this product to charge up the other power bank (which has digital readout.)

Take note the charge of the other power bank at the start of charge.

Wait till this power bank is fully drained, and note the digital readout.

Repeat test to be sure.

RESULTS:

This product amazingly charged at 59% of the capacity. The other power bank has a capacity of 13,000 mAh. Therefore, the actual capacity of this power bank is 59% x 13,000, which is 7,670 mAh. Thus, you can actual charge of about 77% of the stated 10,000 mAh. It may seem a smidgen on its downside, but perfectly acceptable, considering it is just palm-sized. It boasts a high-speed charging technology, which ensures a very fast possible charge for any device.

VERDICT:

This product, while lacking exposure, can give its counterparts a good run for their money.

2)Poweradd Pilot 2GS 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger

The Pilot 2GS is among the best must-have for people who are always out and about. It auto detects your gadget and delivers its quickest possible charging speed of up to 2.4A (maximum) as soon as it is connected. Its 5V/2A input is twice as faster than 1amp input, which tells you that you can fully charge it in only five hours. It is a 10000-mAh power bank– just enough capacity on the go. It is able to provide up to four solid charges to an iPhone 6s, or at least 2.5 charges to a Galaxy S6, or one and a half charges for an iPad Mini. Its compact design allows not only for convenience– its aviation grade-brushed aluminum body is made to ensure that your charging buddy is durable and scratch-proof. It has built-in safeguards: grade a+ Li-polymer cell premium microchips multi-protect system supports over-charged, over-discharged, over-voltage, over-current and short circuit protection, worry-free while using Pilot 2GS.

PROS:

Its aviation grade-brushed aluminum adds a classy look to it.

It is extremely light.

Given its charging power, 10000 mAh, you can charge yourGalaxy S5 for instance, four times over from 0%-100%.

It charges at LIGHTNING speed.

CONS:

The only drawback to this is that there are times the LED indicators next to the charger ports get sort of glitchy after a while. However, this does not hinder the charger’s performance at all!

VERDICT:

The elegance, classiness, and overall performance of this charger are the best we’ve seen out of all the portable chargers out there.

3) Anker Powercore 13000 Portable Charger

Anker has done a fantastic job with this product. It comes with a host of smart and protective features to ensure your devices are charging safely and quickly. Here’s more to it:

PROS:

It is the successor to PowerCore 10400—given its identical compact size but packed with even more power. It charges an iPhone 6s 5 times, a Galaxy S6 3.5 times or an iPad Air 2 once. It has a super-high 13000 mAh capacity with two fast-charging USB ports. You wouldn’t believe a power bank smaller than a wallet can have these. It features fast-charging Technology: PowerIQ and VoltageBoost combined to produce a maximum speed charge to any device (up to 3A – Qualcomm Quick Charge not supported).On the outside, it is made of plastic, with 4 blue LED lights on the top on the opposite side of the ANKER logo. The top and bottom sides are rounded, providing a good grip when holding the unit to plug in your cables. On the side closest to the ANKER logo is shown pertinent information about the unit, such as the model number and input/output details. On the opposite side (near the LEDs on the top) is where the two PowerIQ USB output ports and the micro USB charging port are located.

CONS:

The only catch to this device is that it takes quite a while to charge up. That’s really not a drawback, since it does have such a huge battery capacity inside. However, you do have to plan your itinerary ahead of time.

VERDICT:

This product won’t be Amazon’s choice for nothing, so really, you can’t complain.

4) The Anker Astro E1 Portable Charger

This palm-sized powerhouse is a marvel in itself. Its slim and compact feature makes it easy to bring with you wherever you go.

PROS:

It can charge your Apple or Android smartphone one to two times while on the move. You can even charge an iPad mini to about 80%!

This thing is about the same size as a small candy bar– very handy and compact.

Its manufacture used only premium battery cells, together with advanced materials and cutting-edge technology, to ensure complete safety.

The Lithium battery can be recharged over 500 times during its life cycle.

It comes with an 18 month warranty. It is recommended to charge the battery at 1 Amp and 5 VDC. It will take 5 hours to charge the battery at that charging rate. You can use your USB 2.0 port of your computer it takes 10 hours at ½ Amp input. You can even use an AC powered USB wall charger or a USB car charger and using up to 2 amps will not hurt the battery.

CONS:

1)A bunch of users have reported negative feedback about how it is unable to charge iPhone 6s and 7, and Samsung Galaxy s6 effectively, as it claims to do. For instance, when charging an iPhone 7, the phone will appear to have reached 100% on the battery meter. The Anker power bank’s lights should go out, indicating charging is complete – but users reported that they fail to.

2) While admired as a fast charger, overheating is one of its major issues.

VERDICT:

Anker is one manufacturer who cares to ensure its products live up to their promise. The drawbacks of this product are quite hard to neglect, but the item is still a great option to consider.

5) RAVPower 16750mAh 4.5 A

Quality, capacity, longevity, and reliability are the most important factors to consider when scouting around for a power bank. And this thing is sure to get those boxes ticked.

PROS:

The unit is well built and of solid construction. You can charge two devices at once. You can also charge this unit while charging two of your devices at the same time (the unit will get a little warm to the touch, nothing crazy). Doing this will drain the battery faster than it can charge though. iSmart technology will turn the unit on when it senses your device to rapidly charge your devices and power off when your devices are fully charged. The 15000 mAh capacity greatly reduces the amount of times you have to charge this device and will provide multiple charges to your devices before needing a recharge. The included usb cables are tangle free (flat) and well constructed. There is also a drawstring mesh travel pouch included with this unit that is a nice addition and will fit the power bank, usb cables, and connectors nicely. I tend to use one of the little ziplock bags to conveniently store all the cables and connectors with the unit in the travel pouch.The built-in flashlight is bright and can be turned off and on with a long press of the single button. You can check the battery capacity left with a quick press of the button (4 LEDs = 75-100% 3 LEDs =50-75% 2 LEDs= 25-50% 1 LED= <25%). The user guide is elaborate and well written.

CONS:

This unit is more on the clunky side. Although, it may fit into the front and back pocket of your jeans, the unit will seem bulky on your front pocket. And we must add that this unit will take a while to charge. It can take up to seven hours to charge with a 5v/1.5A wall adapter (not included).

VERDICT:

This product leaves a lot to be desired, as far as compactness is concerned. It pales in comparison to its lighter counterparts. But its remarkable advantages have made us consider it in this list.

6) Jackery Giant+ Premium 12,000 mAh Dual USB

PROS:

This battery pack is beautifully packaged with a wraparound metal case and with white ends on it. It is a powerful battery pack rated at 10,400 mAh of capacity and capable of charging two devices simultaneously. Its exterior shell is aluminum, which gives it an elegant look. The battery weighs in at 10 ounces. The battery pack has two USB output ports that output 5 VDC at 1 Amp and the second one outputs 5 VDC at 2.1 Amps. This is ideal to allow you to charge two devices at the same time and one of them can be a tablet that requires 2.1 Amps to charge quickly. During the testing the temperature of the battery pack never even exceeded ambient room temperature. To start your device charging you connect it with the proper cable and press the battery pack power button and charging starts. The charging will stop automatically when your device is fully charged or the battery pack is depleted.

CONS:

There’s this noticeably suspicious lack of information in the product description about the stark difference between the advertised battery power and what the user should expect to get. Understandably, users just can’t be happy with getting less than 40% of the support from this battery, especially when its main purpose is to ensure your battery won’t die when you’re out running around.

VERDICT:

The conversion factors that have lately come to surface seem to be an industry-wide issue, so at least on that note, this product is no worse than any other from any other manufacturer. They all seem more focused on the battery’s maximum capacity instead of telling customers how useful it actually is at doing the job it was designed to do in the first place.

7) Jackery Titan 20100 mAh 2 Port 3.4A Smart Fit Technology

Jackery products have been reputed for providing good battery support on a long commute or a long outdoor activity. If you’re eyeing on going on a weeklong camping trip, this product is a good buy.

PROS:

The combined design, sleekness, and power of this device are quite spectacular. It is thin enough to fit in to your pocket, but sturdy enough that you don’t have to worry about it breaking when you put it in your bag. The Jackary Titan features the most powerful portable external battery, with 20100mAh capacity designed to extend your mobile device’s battery life even when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Its Panasonic Cell and Aluminum Shell guarantee high-energy density. Its compact design and smart safety protection circuit make it your most reliable companion.

CONS:

While the Titan comes with a charging cable, you have to use your own wall-plug-to-USB transformer to be able to charge it. Charging may take up to 11 hours from zero to 100%, so you have to plan ahead of time when you are going to use it.

VERDICT:

This one-pound brick has earned the trust of many of its users. It is not as portable as its counterparts, but a good tool to sustain your battery during long trips and power outages.

8) EasyAcc Monster 20000mAh Power Bank

This power bank may be something that looks quite easy to miss in a store. It is a little lackluster, but we have listed its pros and cons for your easier reference. It sure deserves a gander.

PROS:

1) If you have a large family, this one is for you. You can charge up to four devices simultaneously.

2) Its superb battery capacity can charge a tablet to full with room to spare for your other devices.

3) It has a useful built-in flashlight that can provide sufficient lighting for emergency purposes.

4) It has faster charging rate compared to other brands.

CONS:

1) Flashlight lens curves out too close to the surface of the side of the power bank, making it likely to absorb some impact damage if dropped from a tall height and landing on different hard surfaces.

VERDICT:

Overall, this comes as a major improvement for its manufacturer, EasyAcc. They have taken significant strides as far as their product line of power banks and chargers is concerned. This one easily thumps at least two other brands of power banks that most people have tried that are approximately of the same battery capacity range.

9) Poweradd Slim 2, 5000mAh Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

Are you tired of carrying a power bank that is almost as huge as a brick? You’ll be amazed at how much power this lipstick-sized charger can give you.

PROS:

1) We have reviewed some of Poweradd’s products and noticed how awesome their packaging is. It is dummy proof, as it shows you the most pertinent features of the product.

2) The device only measures 3.94×1.28 x 1.20 inches. You can slip it into your pocket or bag quite easily.

3) Its power button, which is located near the top of the battery charging port, will show you the remaining power of the charger. It will show four bright blue lights, indicating whether it is half/fully-charged.

4) It comes in multiple colors: rose red, blue, green, and black, which make it eye-catching and stylish.

CONS:

If you are looking for an 2A output vs 1A output, as of this review, we found out that only the black one has been upgraded to the higher output (2A). Since the other colors are still using the old output (1A), you might want to stick to the black one as it gives you higher output.No doubt– this product has significant aesthetic advantage over its counterparts, but as far as functionality is concerned, you may opt for something with a hexagonal shape to make sure it doesn’t roll away from you when you put it on a table.

VERDICT:

At $10.99 (currently), the Poweradd Slim 2 Mobile Power Charger gives you more bang for your buck! It has 5,000 mAh juice, which gives most phones with two solid charges. Given its wee size, it still works perfectly as it claims to. Not bad for a charger that costs $10.99.

10) EC Technology 22400mAh Power Bank

Going on a long journey? This extraordinarily powerful power bank is one of your best bets.

PROS:

It boasts a charging speed that is twice or thrice as fast as charging through pc or tablets. You’ll be even more delighted if you’re an iPhone 6s/6s Plus user as this amazing piece of technology charges 10 times and 7 times as fast, respectively. It is equipped with over-charged, over-discharged, over-voltage, over-current and short-circuit protection. The textured high-grade flame-retardant plastic shell protects your devices from damage. It has a led light that makes it easy when finding a port or simply indicating that it is on the go. It has embossed identifying names of the items you can charge, such as iPhone, Samsung Tab, iPad).

CONS:

This battery pack is quite large. It weighs 17 ounces: just imagine holding a bottle of soda. Considering the size of its battery, it may also take a while to charge. But it may charge quicker with a wall charger, which you can buy separately. Many users have reported the led light not lighting up and the battery of the device not charging fully.

VERDICT:

It may be a lot more helpful if it comes with the corresponding amperage, but not bad. It also has a flashlight function for emergency purposes. On a fresh full charge, you can get a couple of iPhone 6 charge-ups and almost an iPad.It is a great item to have if you’re always on the go, but given its drawbacks, it has fallen to the bottom of our list.